How Secure Is Your WordPress Password?

The security of your WordPress site begins with a strong password. A powerful password is complex and not easily guessable. It should not contain recognizable words, names, dates, or numbers. A strong password typically consists of at least 20 characters, a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Creating a Strong Password

Here are some suggested guidelines when creating a strong password:

At least 20 characters Use a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters Include numbers Incorporate special characters such as `! # $ % Avoid backslashes () Many typographical symbols are allowed A space is allowed but not recommended at the start of a password

Things to Absolutely Avoid

Never use personal information in your password, as this can be a risk for social engineering. Common items to avoid include:

The name of your partner or kids The name of your pet The name of your company The name of your favorite sports team or car brand The year in which you were born Your birthday

Automatically Generated Passwords in WordPress

When you make a new account for your site or reset your password, a strong password will be suggested for you. These suggested passwords contain 24 characters, a mix of numbers, letters, capitals, and special characters. They are designed to be secure and difficult to guess.

Keeping Track of Your Passwords

With the complexity required for today's passwords, it can be challenging to remember every single one. Fortunately, password managers can help you keep track of your different passwords without relying on the same password secured by one master password. Many password managers also have functionality to automatically enter your stored password for you.

Other Security Recommendations

Two Factor Authentication

Another excellent way to enhance your WordPress security is by setting up Two Factor Authentication (2FA). This requires the installation of a third-party plugin.

Usernames

A common brute force hacking technique involves using a dictionary of common username and password combinations. For this reason, it is often recommended to avoid common usernames such as “admin”.

To learn more about WordPress malware removal and additional security tips, visit our resources:

WordPress Malware Removal Malware Analysis